This race has a great history. Over 20 years ago, Carl Schilling, at age 15, lost his life in an car-pedestrian accident. He was a cross country runner. The race went on in his name to raise money for scholarships for area schools. A few years back the family put on the last race, however with help from a title sponsor the race goes on today. This race is a great example of community. I have reviewed it twice before, and mostly this will be the same.

Registration: Available online and on race day. The 5 miler was only $25(even on race day) without a t-shirt, but shirts were only $5 more. There was a timing chip on the back of the bib included with registration.

Expo / Packet Pick up: There was no expo, but packets could be picked up at the fitness center the Saturday before, however no pick up the Sunday before the race. Could also pick up your packet on race morning. Someone else could pick up your packet.

Pre-Race: There was free parking at the nearby Middle School, on street or at the park where the race started. There were port-o-potties, back behind the set up area.

The kids run and one mile race were run before 8 am. At 8 am there were some announcements. The National Anthem was sung, and the participants were walked to the starting line.

Race / Course: the course was through the residential parts of the city, including a bike path
-all paved, some cracks in spots to watch out for
-water only stops, all in paper cups.
-Each mile was marked, there was a volunteer yelling times
-The course was on roads open to traffic, the running lane was partitioned off with cones, always running against traffic (this year there was some road construction and part of course moved to sidewalk)
-Volunteers or law enforcement at all intersections, and along the route
-There was a timing mat at the halfway point
-some hills, but nothing too steep, but I always forget about them, making them a challenge
-a few spectators
-no photographers on course that I can remember

Post Race: Finish was marked, with a timing mat, clock and an announcer trying to get as many names announced as possible. There were apples, bananas, an assortment of cookies, bagels and water. If you finished fast you got a cupcake. There was a medic tent. The timing company had a spot you could get printed results. Room to cheer on finishers too. No awards ceremony, but a table was set up to claim AG awards. No finisher medals

Overall: This is a great race at a great price. Always professionally organized. A labor day tradition.

My race: I ran this race a day after a half marathon. I did try to push my pace and I felt fast, but when I finished I saw my results and they were about 2 minutes slower than last year. I finished in 47:30. I was still happy with this time.

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